I woke up to find the spot in bed next to me empty. To most people, that's not too alarming. But to me, well, I knew I was in for it.

Dammit! I thought, jumping out of bed and rushing to the kitchen. Tommy hated not having his breakfast ready for him when he woke up.

In the kitchen, I saw him standing there, waiting for me. He was angry. I looked down, knowing I was in trouble.

"Angelica." His voice was cold, sending shivers down my spine. And he only addressed me as Angelica when he was really mad.

I looked down, scared to meet his eye. My heart was pounding so hard, I barely heard him speak again.

"Where were you when you were supposed to be making my breakfast?" His words hit like a slap in the face.

"Well, I-" I began, getting cut off by a slap in the face. Oh wow. The irony.

Tommy grabbed my collar and pulled me close, whispering dangerously into my ear. "This better not happen again. Understood?"

I nodded, scared to say anything. He shoved me away, walking out the front door, presumably to work.

I fell to the ground, close to tears. This was my fault. If I get hit, it's my fault. I know the rules. I know what happens when I break them.

I would just leave. But there are reasons I can't. The reasons?

1. He doesn't have anyone else. His cousins are all in Ireland, his aunt and uncle died, he's an orphan. I'm all he had left

2. If I were to leave, he'd find me and drag me right back. There's no way out, except maybe death...

3. He may be harsh, but he loves me. He doesn't do anything I don't deserve. Right...?

As I sit there in my thoughts, tears began to roll down my face. I deserved what I got, but...

Why did I deserve it? I never did anything so horrible to deserve the beatings, the yelling, the others things he did to me, did I?

Lost in my mind, I didn't notice the front door open.

"Angel!" my pretty much sister, Diana, yelled. "I've been knocking for a minute, are you okay?" She noticed me crying on the ground, and looked angry. "Who do I need to kill, and what's your preferred method?"

I shook my head, wiping my eyes as I stood. "It's fine, DeeDee. I'm just a hormonal, emotional, pregnant woman."

She nodded skeptically, walking with me to the den. We sat together, not meeting each other's eyes.

"How're things with Tommy?" Diana asked.

I faked a smile, crossing my legs. "They're great!" I lied. "Absolutely fantastic!"

She nodded, though she didn't look quite convinced.

We talked for hours, until it was nearly dark. Then she hugged me goodbye.

"See you later," she said, walking out the door. "Remember, tell me if you need anything."

I told her I would, then sat in the kitchen. It hurt to lie to Diana. But if she found out, she would kill Tommy- literally. So I kept quiet, because I don't want to lose the only person who puts up with me.

Again, I didn't notice the door opening. I felt someone brush my hair aside and gently kiss the back of my neck. I froze, not knowing who was touching me. Then I heard his voice.

"I'm sorry about this morning, Dolphin."

Tommy.

He hugged me tightly, but not too tightly, as I was pregnant. I leaned back, resting my head on his chest. "I forgive you, mon amour," I said, sighing.

He kissed the top of my head. "I know it's not enough to make up for how I treated you, but, if you'll let me, I'll cook tonight," he said softly.

"It's alright, mon amour, I can do it," I said as I began to stand.

"No, I'll do it, okay, Dolphin?" he said quickly, his hands preventing me from getting up.

I nodded, resting my head on my hand. He had his faults, but,

He really loved me.